Improving essential services in Europe’s rural areas: insights from a European Parliament study
A recent study from the European Parliament analyses the role of cohesion policy in supporting essential services in remote, rural and depopulated areas. The publication presents several recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of EU support in these territories.
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The study, commissioned by the European Parliament's Committee on Regional Development, places a specific focus on essential services related to the provision of healthcare, childcare and services in remote, rural and depopulated areas.
Rural areas face significant demographic changes which pose challenges to regional development and increase territorial and social disparities. While acknowledging that support to rural areas is also provided through the common agricultural policy and the Recovery and Resilience Facility, the report focuses on the central role that cohesion policy plays in addressing these issues and supporting essential services in the EU, especially healthcare, childcare and services to the population.
The study highlights recommendations to increase the effectiveness of cohesion policy and other EU instruments in this regard.
The use of integrated and territorialised delivery modes, such as Integrated Territorial Investments and Community-Led Local Development, can improve the territorial relevance and coherence of investments in essential services with wider regional policies. Involving local and regional actors in the planning and implementation of cohesion policy funding can strengthen the efficiency of territorial interventions.
Dedicated EU funding should support capacity building for municipalities and public service providers in regions facing demographic decline and outmigration. Additionally, the EU should support Member States and regions in developing long-term strategic frameworks for demographic change and in using cohesion policy to support a minimum catalogue of essential services.
The new Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028-2034 should include pre-allocated funding or higher co-financing rates for rural, remote and sparsely populated regions. Moreover, investments in essential services should be accompanied by investments in the broader local economy, as well as in training and recruiting qualified personnel. Investments in essential services should include durable institutional and financing arrangements to promote their long-term sustainability, reducing reliance on EU funds.
Explore the latest Rural Pact resources on access to services, LEADER/CLLD and health and care.